CMS Window Systems secures LDC investment to support growth plans

Leading window, door and curtain walling designer, manufacturer and installer CMS Window Systems has secured investment from mid-market private equity firm LDC.  The deal will support the business’s ambitious growth plans to capitalise on increased demand across the UK for energy-efficient building envelope solutions and services.

CMS Window Systems is a trading name of CMS Enviro Systems Ltd and was founded in 2006 by Managing Director Andy Kerr. Based at Castlecary near Glasgow and with additional premises in Kirkcaldy, the company employs more than 255 people and specialises in producing energy-efficient, environmentally responsible PVCu, aluminium and timber composite, windows, doors and curtain walling systems with external wall insulation and building cladding solutions also provided.

CMS supports customers as they procure and deliver some of the largest housing investment programmes and commercial build projects in the UK. It also provides added value services from project design, manufacture and installation through to aftercare including value engineering, BIM-modelling and project management with all extracted waste processed at its dedicated recycling facilities in North Lanarkshire and Fife.

Through its state-of-the-art manufacturing and recycling facilities, CMS Window Systems has established itself as a provider of innovative and sustainable products – in 2010 the company introduced the UK’s first zero carbon fully-reinforced (0.8 U-value) window and in 2016 have launched the country’s first Quiet Mark approved acoustic PVCu window. It also supports local authorities and housing associations with the removal, recycling and replacement of windows and doors, taking ownership of the full product lifecycle.

To continue its commitment to sustainability the company established the CMS Innovation Hub at its head office facility in North Lanarkshire. As Scotland’s first commercial innovation centre, it is a state-of-the-art showcase for energy-efficient products and services. Specifiers, developers, architects, public and private sector buyers and contractors are welcome to visit the 10,000 sq. ft. facility and view the latest energy-saving products from firms across the supply chain, such as Yale/Sealco, Rockwool, Sheerframe, Saint-Gobain and Metal Technology.

The deal with LDC sees the current management team of CMS remaining as majority shareholders, with LDC acquiring a minority stake. Billy Allan will join the board as non-executive chairman bringing significant industry experience, having held a number of senior board positions across Scotland, including his role as chief executive of Aberdeen-based oil support services group, Asco, non-executive chairman of support services group Europa, and prior to that chief executive of EJ Steill. Allan is currently non-executive chairman of Ingen and Bowleven plc.

Commenting on the deal, Andy Kerr said: “An ethos of economic, environmental and social sustainability is at the core of our business and our products and practices reflect this. As demand for energy-efficient building solutions continues to increase, and companies pay closer attention to meeting sustainability targets, we’re well-positioned to support customers across the construction industry.

“With LDC’s backing, we’re now in an even stronger position to continue investing in our operations, scaling the business further and expanding across Scotland and the rest of the UK. This is an exciting time for our team, and LDC’s track record and expertise will help us continue providing customers across the commercial and public sectors with the highest-quality products and services.”

Colin Bennett, investment director at LDC, added: “CMS Window Systems is a unique and ambitious business, not only has it identified a genuine point of difference in the market, it has continued to innovate to ensure it remains highly relevant to a broad customer base.

“Andy and the management team have built a truly impressive organisation, consistently delivering a high-quality service to customers and demonstrating further potential for growth. With the added expertise of Billy joining the board, the team now has an unrivalled level of experience and is well-placed to deliver its investment strategy, further expanding the business and consolidating its market-leading position in a continually evolving sector.”

Mark Kerr, director and head of Scotland at LDC, said: “As a firm we’re committed to backing Scottish businesses, supporting the country’s leading management teams in achieving their growth ambitions, and this deal demonstrates our intent to identify and support those hidden gems across the central belt and further afield.”